PM Netanyahu greets Christians in Israel and worldwide Christmas Eve morning
180,300 Christian citizens live in Israel – represents 0.6% increase over 2023, according to new statistics
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered the following video greeting to Christians worldwide on Tuesday morning, before Christmas Eve.
“My dear Christian friends, as you gather with your family and friends this Christmas, I wish the Christian community in Israel and around the world blessings for a Merry Christmas from the Holy Land.
At a time when Israel is fighting on seven fronts, we deeply appreciate the steadfast support of our Christian friends around the world.
You've stood by our side, you've stood by our side resiliently, consistently, forcefully as Israel defends our civilization against barbarism.
The people of Israel are united in defending our nation against those bent on our destruction.
We seek peace with all those who wish peace with us, but we will do whatever is necessary to defend the one and only Jewish state, the repository and the source of our common heritage.
Israel leads the world in fighting the forces of evil and tyranny, but our battle is not yet over. With your support, and with God's help, I assure you, we shall prevail.
From Jerusalem, city of peace, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”
Prime Minister Netanyahu's heartfelt Christmas greeting resonates with the diverse Christian community in Israel, a small yet significant part of the nation's rich cultural and religious tapestry.
According to new data released from the Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics, there will be approximately 180,300 Christians living in Israel on Christmas Eve 2024, representing an increase of 0.6% since 2023.
There are many different streams of Christianity represented in Israel, including Greek and Russian Orthodox, Catholics, Baptists and Maronites, Armenians and Ethiopian Coptics and others, yet, together they represent only 1.8% of the nation's total population.
Over three-quarters of Israel's Christians (78.7%) are Arabs. However, within Israel's two-million-strong Arab population, Christians make up just 7%, rendering them a minority within a minority.
Arab Christians in Israel were overrepresented in higher education statistics last year, making up 2.2% of all students. A poll conducted in 2021 found that 84% of all Israeli Christians, said they were satisfied with life in the Jewish state.
The All Israel News Staff is a team of journalists in Israel.
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